Statin Therapy for Prevention of Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity - Another Defeat for Cardioprotection?

Reduction in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and clinical heart failure (HF) are well-known potential consequences of anthracycline therapy for cancer. Putative mechanisms include myocardial dysfunction and damage caused by the production of reactive oxygen species and topoisomerase II-mediated cell death. Interest in the use of statins as a preventive strategy against anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity centers on the pleotropic (anti-inflammatory) effects of statin therapy. Support for statins as potential cardioprotective agents during anthracycline-based chemotherapy stems from observational cohort studies, two small prospective trials, and meta-analyses.